Roy Keane has revealed his disappointment at his sacking by Ipswich Town, saying that he believed he was on the verge of turning the Championship club's season around only to be relieved of his duties last night.

Keane released a statement through the League Managers' Association in which he also stated that he felt Ipswich reaching the Carling Cup semi-final, in which they face Arsenal next week, was evidence of the improvement of the side under his management.

"I'm hugely disappointed to be leaving Portman Road," said Keane. "Results haven't been as good as I'd have hoped so far this season and when results aren't good the manager gets the sack, that's the game.

"However, I have a genuine belief that we were making progress and that the players have what it takes to turn this season around.

"We were preparing well for our visit to Chelsea on Sunday and then our Carling Cup semi with Arsenal. Getting to that semi proves what I know the team is capable of.

"I was also working hard to build the squad during the transfer window, looking at our options to attract new players to the club. I have loved my time at Ipswich, living locally to the club with my family, and have a massive respect for the club, its staff, the fans and the community and I wish them well."

Keane, 39, had been in charge of Ipswich since April 2009, but after a winning start to the current campaign, their form has suffered of late and they slipped to 19th place in the Championship table following the 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on Monday.

Richard Bevan, the chief executive of the LMA, said: "Roy is one of the most committed and dedicated managers in the game and without a doubt leaving Ipswich will be very disappointing for him. Roy's departure, though, typifies him, in his honest and forthright appraisal of his departure.

"This season's run with the club in the Carling Cup is testament to his ability in getting the best out of his team in big games and it is disappointing that he has not been given the opportunity to lead out Ipswich in their first cup semi-final for thirty-odd years."

Paul Jewell is the favourite to replace Keane, the former Bradford and Wigan Athletic manager having been out of work for two years since leaving Derby County in December, 2008.